Deceased are four brothers, Jerry, Elmer, Raymond and Arthur Gels, and an infant sister, Mary Catherine.

He was a member of St. Henry Catholic Church, Mercer County Elks and St. Henry American Legion. He served as a staff sergeant in the U.S. Army during World War II. He retired as a partner of the former Mrs. A.J. Gels & Sons, St. Henry.

Funeral Mass is 10 a.m. Saturday at the church, the Rev. Benedict Magabe officiating with assistance from Deacon Randy Balster. Burial with military honors will follow at the church cemetery.